Celtic FC transfer news & rumours before the transfer window

Transfermarkt suggests Friday, June 14 as the day things will kick off proper. 

We're unlikely to see anything concrete until around then, but we can keep an eye on the rumours and rumblings around potential Celtic transfer business as it presents itself between now and then – which is exactly what this Celtic FC transfer news rundown is all about.

Moreover, we'll be updating everything below between now and the start of the 2024/25 campaign, so be sure to check back. 

From loan players Brendan Rodgers' side might make permanent in the summer, to potential replacements between the sticks for the outgoing Joe Hart and more, here are all the latest Celtic FC transfer news & rumours before the transfer window opens. 

Celtic FC transfer news and rumours

Alex McCarthy

Age: 34
Position: Goalkeeper

With veteran stopper Joe Hart set to retire at the end of the season, it's no secret Celtic will be looking to recruit another goalkeeper this summer. A few names have already surfaced in the past few weeks (two of which are listed below), however the most recent is Southampton stopper Alex McCarty. 

As reported by the Celtic Way, Celtic are said to be 'considering' a transfer swoop for the experienced keeper, whose CV includes time at the likes of Leeds, Crystal Palace and, of course, Southampton - with the 34-year-old also having been capped for England once in 2018. 

Jake Clarke-Salter

Age: 26
Position: Centre-back

Celtic are thought to have been pursuing Jake Clarke-Salter for some time behind the scenes, with the 26-year-old also on the radar of a number of other clubs. 

It remains unclear at this stage what the future holds for the centre-back who's currently under contract at English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, however Clarke-Saltar has suggested he's quite content where is at present - delivering an honest update in the middle of May. 

Adam Idah

Adam Idah celebrates late goal at Ibrox (Image: SNS)
Age: 23
Position: Forward

Adam Idah becoming a permanent fixture at Paradise is among the most obvious morsels of Celtic transfer news around at the moment. Currently on loan from EFL Championship side Norwich, the 23-year-old forward has excelled under Brendan Rodgers' tutelage with a string of goals – including a crucial late strike against Rangers during the sides' 3-3 draw at Ibrox in April.

Since joining the club in January Idah has impressed ex-Celtic hit man John Hartson, who reckons Celtic should sign the unphased striker, while also acknowledging the fact his price tag may have increased as a result of his fine form in Scotland.

In any event, Brendan Rodgers, the powers that be at Celtic, and Adam Idah himself have a big decision to make this summer about the striker's next steps.

Tommy Conway

Tommy Conway playing for Scotland Under-21s (Image: SNS)
Age: 21
Position: Forward

Tommy Conway comes recommended by Rotherham manager Steve Evans, the same man who alerted Celtic to the talents of Matt O'Riley when the player was under contract at MK Dons back in 2022.

The rest is history for O'Riley at Celtic – the 23-year-old having helped Celtic to a handful of trophies, including a domestic treble during the 2022/23 campaign – which makes Evans' recommendation of Bristol City striker Conway all the more intriguing.

Described as a "gifted" forward, it was Conway's strike who helped his side dispatch West Ham from the FA Cup in January of this year, and with 12 goals and an assist to his name across all competitions this season so far (as of May 1), it's easy to see where the hype for this young player has come from.

Previously capped for Scotland at under-21 level, Conway now targets the Scotland national team, having been quoted saying: "Obviously, there is competition in my position but I don't see why I can't be challenging those boys who have been called up before."

Charles Pickel

Age: 26
Position: Defensive Midfield

Defensive midfielder Charles Pickel appears to be attracting interest up and down the country, with a number of EFL Championship sides thought to be interested in the DR Congo international's signature.

Celtic are among the sides rumoured to be interested too, with the 26-year-old apparently keen to swap his current employer – Serie B side Cremonese – for Brendan Rodgers' side. EFL Championship outfits Leeds and Preston North End have been similarly linked with the player.

A product of Swiss outfit FC Basel's youth academy, Pickel has been on the books at the likes of Grasshoppers, Portuguese side Famalicao, and French Ligue 2 side Grenoble.

Caoimhin Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher warming up for Liverpool (Image: SNS)
Age: 25
Position: Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been backed to move from Liverpool to Celtic this summer.

Second behind first-choice Anfield stopper Allison, the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has stepped in between the sticks for Liverpool on occasion this season – most recently in their dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Chelsea in February's Carabao Cup final.

With Joe Hart having already announced plans to retire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Brendan Rodgers will almost certainly be in the market for a goalkeeper. Whether that's Kelleher or not remains to be seen of course, but it's thought the likes of Leeds, Wolves and Brighton have shown interest in the player behind the scenes.

Patrick Pentz

Age: 27
Position: Goalkeeper

Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz is another stopper whose name has been mentioned in and around Celtic's summer transfer rumours.

Again, with first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart on the cusp of retirement from football, it seems likely Brendan Rodgers will look to strengthen in this area – and Pentz would of course fit this mould.

That said, the 27-year-old has been asked specifically about a potential move to Celtic Park and answered candidly. "I get asked this question in interviews every week," he said, responding to reporters who asked about the PSV and Celtic links. "My contract at Leverkusen runs until summer 2025, so I can’t decide entirely on my own what happens next.

"My full focus is currently on the title fight and I will give everything for the club until the end. I feel very comfortable in Copenhagen: the club, the city and the people just suit me perfectly."